Frequently asked questions
Overview
- Why are we switching to a digital parking system?
-
Paperless parking will make parking on campus more convenient, with cashless payments removing the need for physical permits. Cameras will also improve security through accurate vehicle tracking, ensuring we comply with regulations.
- What does the University do with the income from parking charges?
-
Revenue from parking supports the transport operation, including routine maintenance and repairs of car parks, roads, footpaths, cycle paths, bicycle shelters and bus shelters as well as supporting the parking enforcement operation.
- What is ANPR technology and how does it work?
-
technology uses CCTV-style cameras at car park entrances/exits to capture timed photos of vehicles and their number plates and to calculate the duration of each vehicle’s stay. Drivers must pay for the full duration of each stay to avoid fines. They don’t need to display any physical permits in order to park.
- How does the new campus parking system work?
-
As you enter and exit campus, ANPR cameras located at car park entrances will scan your vehicle's number plate. There will be a 60 minute ‘grace period’ before charging starts – this allows for drop-offs and deliveries etc.
You can park in any available parking space on campus, unless it is marked with restrictions e.g. reserved or disabled bays, or carer bays before 10am.
The ANPR system will determine whether a parking fee has been paid, and will issue a fine after 48 hours if unpaid.
If you haven’t paid, you can do so online or by phone within 48 hours of the time at which you entered the car park. This means if you forget to pay for parking, you have two days to do so, but you will not be reminded that you need to pay. There will be signs as you leave campus as a reminder, but there won’t be digital reminders for people to pay.
If you do not pay for your pay as you go parking within those 48 hours, you will receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) via the post from First Parking.
If parked illegally, you will be issued with a physical Parking Charge Notice by a campus Parking Enforcement Officer.
- Will barriers be installed at campus car parks?
-
No. Barriers will not be installed at car parks.
- Are all campus car parks switching to a digital system?
-
All campus car parks will operate on a digital system.
- I don’t own a mobile phone will I be able to use paperless parking?
-
If you don’t have a mobile phone and have not opted for an annual permit via salary deduction, you can apply for the pay as you go option . You can then pay for daily parking via the through a computer.
- Why has the University partnered with an external organisation to transition to paperless parking?
-
The University’s Transport Office will continue to manage, operate, and oversee the new system, ensuring a smooth transition to paperless parking. First Parking, has been our service provider for a number of years, and will provide the Transport Office with expert technological support.
- How is the new system able to identify non-permit holders from those with permits?
-
The ANPR system uses the DVLA database along with the permit database to identify non-permit holders. This in turn will allow us to charge or fine drivers, if necessary, and apply higher rates for non-Sussex drivers.
- How is the new parking system being funded?
-
The new system is funded by the University with the aim of improving convenience, safety and car park management.
- Do I have to link my credit or debit card to my online parking account?
-
No. Anyone purchasing an annual parking permit via a one-off payment (including staff, students and associates) will make a one-time payment at the time of purchase and no details are stored in the system. Those who opt for a pay as you go permit will pay for the purchase of single use permits. Annual staff permits are paid for via salary sacrifice as per the previous system.
- What is the maximum stay allowed at campus car parks?
-
Vehicles can drive or park on campus for a maximum of one hour without paying. Following that, options are available for up to eight hours parking, or for an overnight stay. Staff with a pay as you go (daily) permit only pay for parking between the hours of 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Will paperless parking effect availability of campus parking spaces?
-
Paperless parking will not have an impact on parking space allocation or availability, but the total number of parking spaces available may change over time for other reasons.
- How long is a daily pay as you go parking charge valid for?
-
If you are using a pay as you go permit, when you pay for parking that session is valid for the entire day on the day that you purchased it.
Parking out of hours and at weekends is free for staff; no daily payment is needed outside of the 8am and 5pm window, however you do need to hold a valid paperless parking permit. Visitors can pay for select parking durations (up to 9 hours), and/or pay £4.50 for a full overnight stay (5pm to 8am, or at weekends).
Visitor parking charges are active 24/7 at the following rates:
Parking period Charge Up to 1 hour Free Up to 2 hours £3 Up to 4 hours £4 Up to 9 hours £7 5pm to 8am (flat fee) £4.50 The flat rate applies only for arrivals after 5pm. Between 8am and 5pm the charges above apply.
- My vehicle details have changed since signing up. How can I update them?
-
You can log in to your First Parking account to update your vehicle details, for example to register a new vehicle or remove a vehicle from your account. Up to five vehicles can be registered to your account.
Staff not employed by the University
- I am a Compass Group staff member how can I apply for a parking permit?
-
Compass Group staff can pay through salary deduction and have an annual pass. Sussex Uni Food staff can apply via as everyone else.
- I am a SEF staff member how can I apply for parking?
-
SEF staff can apply for permits directly on . The applicant’s line manager will receive an automated email to approve their application.
Blue Badge parking
- How do I apply for a designated disabled parking space?
-
Please contact Occupational Health to apply for a designated disabled parking space.
- How will the changes impact Blue Badge parking?
-
Parking on campus is free for all Blue Badge holders, in all car parking spaces. As parking fines will now be issued using ANPR cameras, all Blue Badge holders must register their vehicle(s) with the Transport Office to avoid a Parking Charge Notice. To register your vehicle, please email transport@sef.fm. Blue Badge holders do not need a parking account or permit.
Amex football fixtures and large event days
- I used to show my scratch card to parking stewards on football days in order to be allowed car park entry, what is going to happen now? Can we park near our offices?
-
Staff and students can show their University ID card and park on campus on match days. Selected car parks are reserved for Brighton & Hove Albion use during match days. These are usually P1 Science, P3 Biology, P4 Sussex House, and P5 Sport Centre. Staff should park in an alternative car park during football matches. Details of upcoming football matches are available via the weekly transport updates on the Staff Hub.
- Will parking enforcement be suspended on big event days such as arrivals weekend and Open Days?
-
Yes, we will suspend the enforcement of parking charges on busy days, including the arrivals weekend. Restrictions on illegal or dangerous parking will still be enforced.
Grace periods
- Will there be a ‘settling in’ period to allow drivers to familiarise themselves with the new parking system without the need to register or buy new permits?
-
To make the transition to paperless parking easier, we will not be charging staff to park on campus until the new system is active from 14 October 2024.
Daily permit holders: continue to display your permit in your car, but you do not need to display a daily scratchcard or pay for parking via any other method until 14 October 2024. If you have any scratchcards left, please hold onto these – a refund system will be in place once the paperless parking system is active.
Annual permit holders: continue to display your permit in your car. If you pay via salary deduction, a deduction will not be taken for September 2024.
- Can I still get dropped off and picked up from car parks on campus without parking? Will there be a cost for this?
-
A grace period of 60 minutes will be in place to allow for drop offs, pick-ups and deliveries. If you don’t exceed this time limit you will not need to purchase a permit and you will not be fined.
- What is the process for individuals visiting the Health (GP) or Sports centres?
-
These groups can use the grace period of 60 minutes to park on campus for free without purchasing a permit. If they are staying for longer, they will need to use standard visitor parking.
- Will I be charged if I drive in and out of a campus car park without finding a parking space?
-
Drivers have a 60-minute grace period to find a parking space. You will not receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if you enter and exit campus without parking within this time frame.
Registration
- How can I register for a parking account?
-
You can register your vehicle via .
- When is the registration window opening and what if I miss it?
-
The online portal is now open. Applicants can apply throughout the academic year.
- What is the registration deadline?
-
There is no cut-off date, however we may close the system to new applicants once a maximum number of permits have been allocated. A waiting list will then open for new applicants.
- Can I register more than one vehicle on the new system?
-
You can register up to five vehicles under the same account.
- I use car-club vehicles. Will I be able to park different vehicles on campus each time?
-
The system allows for up to five different vehicles to be registered under the same person/account. If you need to add a sixth vehicle, you can do so after deleting details of one of the previous vehicles you added to the system.
- Is the registration process the same for motorbikes and drivers of other vehicles?
-
Motorbikes are exempt from parking charges, and can be registered by contacting the Transport Office. Permits for all other vehicles (e.g. vans) can be applied for via the normal process.
- What if a staff member parks on campus before registering their vehicle?
-
If University staff park without registering their vehicle for an online permit, they will be charged a visitor car parking rate, not the reduced staff rate.
Parking period Charge Up to 1 hours Free Up to 2 hours £3 Up to 4 hours £4 Up to 9 hours £7 5pm to 8am (flat fee) £4.50 The flat rate applies only for arrivals after 5pm. Between 8am and 5pm the charges above apply.
Permits
- What types of permits are available for staff?
-
Staff car park users can either pay for an annual permit, or register for a pay as you go permit and pay daily for parking as needed. An annual permit allows you to park on campus 24/7, all year round, at a cost of £30 per month pro-rata via salary sacrifice.
A pay as you go permit allows you to park at the University by paying (staff rates) for daily parking via the PaybyPhone mobile app (available on iOS and Android), PaybyPhone website (paybyphone.co.uk), or by phone (01273 78 5599).
In all cases, your permits will be digital and no longer displayed on your vehicle window.
- How long is parking, purchased if I have a pay as you go permit, valid for?
-
A single day’s parking is valid from 8am to 5pm on weekdays. After this time and during weekends parking is free for staff with a pay-as-you go permit.
- Do I still need to display a paper permit on my window if I have an annual permit or have paid for a day’s parking via the pay as you go method?
-
No, paperless parking will eliminate this. Your permit and tickets will be digital.
- Does a permit guarantee a parking space?
-
No. Parking will operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
- What is the difference between visitor parking and a staff pay as you go permit?
-
A staff pay as you go permit will allow parking at a cheaper rate than visitor parking.
Student parking
- I’m a student, can I park on campus?
-
Students can apply for a parking permit by citing any one of the exceptional circumstances listed on the Transport Office website, or a free off-peak permit that is only valid from 5pm to 8am on weekdays, and all day at weekends.
Visitor parking
- How will visitor parking be arranged from October?
-
Parking for visitors and guests will be arranged through the same standard process. The parking organiser will receive a digital confirmation that they can park on campus.
Technical support
- Will an assistant be on site to help should I have issues with parking?
-
The ANPR system operates without the need for an assistant, but parking marshals will continue to monitor campus car parks on a daily basis and be available to help.
You can also contact the Transport Office for operational support, or visit the Hastings building reception between 8.30am and 4pm on weekdays.
Scratchcards
- What is going to happen to staff with unused scratch cards? Will refunds be issued?
-
Refunds will be available at the Hastings building reception for unused scratch cards after 14 October.
- My scratch cards run out before 30 September. What should I do between now and then?
-
To make the transition to paperless parking easier, we will not be charging staff to park on campus until the new system is active from 14 October 2024.
Daily permit holders: continue to display your permit in your car, but you do not need to display a daily scratchcard or pay for parking via any other method until 14 October 2024. If you have any scratchcards left, please hold onto these – a refund system will be in place once the paperless parking system is active.
Annual permit holders: continue to display your permit in your car. If you pay via salary deduction, a deduction will not be taken for September 2024.
Charges and fines
- What is the cost of pay as you go parking and of an annual permit?
-
Daily car park use for staff is charged at £2 a day. An annual car park permit will be charged at £360 per annum, paid through monthly salary deduction (£30/month pro-rata). Student permit costs are available via the Transport website; £198 pre-paid is the standard rate.
- What are the payment options for Sussex staff?
-
Staff with annual tickets can choose to pay by monthly salary deduction, or as an upfront payment. Staff using the pay as you go option will pay every time they park. Staff who choose not to register for either of these options may still pay for parking on daily basis without a permit, using the more expensive visitor rate.
Parking period Charge Up to 1 hours Free Up to 2 hours £3 Up to 4 hours £4 Up to 9 hours £7 5pm to 8am (flat fee) £4.50 The flat rate applies only for arrivals after 5pm. Between 8am and 5pm the charges above apply.
- Are parking charges the same for all staff car park users?
-
Parking charges for staff not directly employed by the University are the same as for staff directly employed by the University.
- How will I be notified of a parking penalty if I don’t pay for my parking session within the time limit?
-
You will receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) through the post. You will not be reminded to pay prior to the deadline.
- How much do penalty charges cost?
-
The cost of a parking fine is £60. This will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
- Is there a charge for drivers entering car parks outside the 9am-5pm window or at the weekend?
-
Staff and students with a permit/parking account won’t be required to pay for parking during these periods but visitors will.
- Can I enter and park in a campus car park without paying immediately?
-
You have until midnight to pay for your parking session from the minute you’ve parked to avoid being issued a fine. The system will not remind you to do this.
- How will I be informed of fines?
-
The ANPR system can detect unauthorised vehicles or users exceeding the maximum stay period (1 hour grace period) as well as other pre-configured parking restrictions. Violations are identified using the vehicle's registration to obtain the user's details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). A charge notice (PCN) is sent by post. You will not receive a ticket at the car park site or be notified via email.
- What happens if I don't pay a fine?
-
If not paid within 28 days of the issue of the Parking Charge Notice (PCN), First Parking may request details of the registered keeper of the vehicle from the DVLA. First Parking will then take action to recover the full amount of the fine from you, as well as any further costs that may be incurred.
- How do I pay or appeal my Parking Charge Notice (PCN)?
-
Details on how to pay or appeal are sent with the PCN.
- What if repeat car park users who park within a 24-hour period find their first entry paired with their last exit, resulting in an overstay fine?
-
All PCNs are checked manually before being issued. Operators will check transactions to ensure that first entries are not incorrectly paired with last exits, preventing false charges.
- What do these changes mean for holders of different types of permits?
-
Nothing, the permit types as listed above will stay the same.
- Do I need to pay every time I park?
-
Only if you have registered for a pay as you go permit , or are using visitor parking. Staff with an annual permit don’t need to pay separately for individual parking sessions.
- Will parking prices increase?
-
Prices are set by the University and are reviewed regularly. Advance notice will be given in good time should any price change be confirmed.
Data privacy
- Is my personal and vehicle data protected?
-
Your data will only be shared with the Transport Office and First Parking to enable registration and parking rule enforcement. It is protected by General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Contact for questions and issues
- Who should I contact if I have questions or issues with the new parking system?
-
You can contact the Transport Office to raise questions or concerns at transport@sef.fm, or at 01273 87 6538. Parking marshals will also be present at campus car parks throughout the year.